Smullen claims last at Dundalk

Pat Smullen got one back to close the gap in the jockeys title race to two when South South West powered home late in the second division of the mile-and-a-half handicap at Dundalk.

Front-runner Bobskier looked like she might have slipped the field as she rounded the bend with a healthy lead.

Smullen got a good tune from Pat Flynn's gelding in the closing stages, however, as he chased down the front-runner inside the final furlong for a length success.

The 4/1 winner was making a successful return to the Flat having scored over hurdles at Clonmel last Sunday.

"He stuck at it well. They went a nice gallop which helped him settle as he can be keen," said Smullen afterwards.

"He did well to chase Johnny's horse down. He's in good heart and Pat's horses are in good form." Ridayef was well backed (from 11/4 in morning into 11/8f) to follow up his success here a week ago but could only manage third-place.

Smullen was getting back to within two of Joseph O'Brien, who had opened up a bit of a gap earlier thanks to two winners at Gowran and one at Dundalk.

(On course reporting by Michael Graham)